Samsung youth tech training program surpasses 10,000 graduates

(Samsung Electronics)

Samsung Group’s software (SW) and artificial intelligence (AI) education program, designed to help young people secure quality jobs, has surpassed 10,000 graduates.

The company held a graduation ceremony for the 12th class of the Samsung Software and AI Academy for Youth (SSAFY) at its campus in Gangnam District, southern Seoul.

SSAFY is a one-year program that recruits participants annually and offers intensive education in software and AI.

The program includes a total of 1,725 hours of training, with approximately 1,025 hours, or about 60 percent, dedicated to AI-related instruction and hands-on practice.

In the first half, students learn foundational AI concepts and programming. In the second half, they form teams to design and carry out projects, gaining practical experience relevant to the workplace.

The entire training is provided free of charge, and participants receive a monthly stipend of 1 million won ($739). Graduates have gone on to work at a wide range of companies, including Samsung Electronics Co., Coupang Inc., KT DS, LG Uplus Corp., and Hyundai Mobis Co., as well as promising startups such as 42Maru Inc. and Neubility.

Since its launch in December 2018, SSAFY has produced 10,125 graduates through its 12th class. Including early hires from the current 13th class, more than 8,000 participants have secured employment at over 2,000 companies.